Concanavalin A immobilized poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) based affinity cryogel matrix and usability of invertase immobilization.

Concanavalin A (Con A) immobilized supermacroporous poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) [poly(EGDMA)] monolithic cryogel column was prepared by radical cryocopolymerization of EGDMA as a monomer and N,N'-methylene-bisacrylamide as a crosslinker. Bioligand Con A was then immobilized by covalent binding onto poly(EGDMA) cryogel via glutaraldehyde activation [Con A-poly(EGDMA)]. Con A-poly(EGDMA) cryogel was characterized by swelling studies and scanning electron microscopy. The monolithic cryogel contained a continuous polymeric matrix having interconnected pores of 10-50 µm size. The equilibrium swelling degree of the cryogel was 15.01 g H2O/g dry cryogel. Con A-poly(EGDMA) cryogel was used in the adsorption/desorption of invertase from aqueous solutions. The maximum amount of invertase adsorption from aqueous solution in acetate buffer was 55.45 mg/g polymer at pH 5.0. Con A-poly(EGDMA) cryogels were used for repetitive adsorption/desorption of invertase without noticeable loss in invertase adsorption capacity after 10 cycles.